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THE NIGHT COMETH.
Fold up the work wherein, hour after hour,
(Only to sew my shroud, then, was I born?)
I've wrought faint pictures, look, of many a flower
          And many a thorn.

Yea, many a flower. Some bridal blossoms; some
Spell my dead children's names in their sweet way;
One blew in Eden ere the Snake had come;—
          And these are they.

Yea, many a thorn. Behold, my hand hath bled
Even in tracing them, so sharp were they,
On this long shivering garment.—Did His head
          Wear such, that day?

I can but think me how, before the dew
Melted in sunrise, and when noon was hot,
Till on the dusk my coffin's shadow grew,
          I rested not,—

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